Don't have a green power option where you live? Buy green tags (the attributes of clean, renewable power discussed in AC/DC Green Power) and then send a copy of your tag to your local utility along with this letter. Feel free to email it, but to maximize impact you also might put a letter in the mail.
- Dear [CEO]:
I am disappointed and concerned that [your utility here] does not offer any green power products and am hopeful this letter will inspire you to do what more than 600 other utilities across America are already doing: making it easy for their customers to purchase electricity from clean, renewable energy sources.
You are no doubt familiar with the climate crisis and the role of electrical generation in producing greenhouse gases. The electrical sector in the US is responsible for about 40% of the national output of CO2. The scientific consensus surrounding the climate crisis is formidable and unprecedented, and public opinion strongly favors action. As a regulated utility with a guaranteed customer base, I believe you have a special obligation to respond to the climate crisis.
I know that I can cover my own carbon debt by purchasing green tags. But I think investment in renewable energy technology is an economic imperative for this country and this region. In a time of global economic uncertainty, local energy production would build our regional economy and support our energy security. Instead of using old technology and dirty resources, renewable generation in our area will employ our neighbors and provide a sound economic foundation for the next generation.
Green Power is mainstream: more than half of American citizens already have the ability to purchase green power through their utility.
Green Power opens markets: in today's global economy many local companies will need to meet carbon reduction targets to do business in key markets such as the European Union. We want those companies to remain here.
Green Power is economically sensible: the more customers that use it, the cheaper it becomes. There are a variety of renewable energy sources that are already cost-competitive with prices declining as markets expand even more. Further, wind, solar and geothermal have no fuel costs, insulating businesses and consumers from fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. Current green pricing schemes permit utilities to recover any incremental additional costs.
Green Power is clean: electricity from coal is cheap only because we do not pay the full environmental costs. Acid rain, mercury poisoning, strip mining, smog, and global warming all have significant human and environmental health price tags.
Green Power shows leadership: many utilities are increasing their investment in renewable energy. These companies are showing foresight that will be rewarded in a marketplace that is increasingly conscious of reducing climate change impacts.
Change is coming. The market of the future is going to favor a renewable energy portfolio, and our community needs to be ready for it. We can't do it without you. If you don't already have a green power option in the works, I hope you'll consider it in the immediate future. Please keep me apprised of your progress in this direction. I will sign up as soon as you offer a green power option.
Sincerely,
[your name here]
